Photo: BMW Motorsport

Heikki Kovalainen impressed after BMW M4 DTM test

Heikki Kovalainen took part in BMW’s DTM test at Lausitzring and the former Formula 1 driver was impressed by the M4 DTM.
”It’s an impressive car. Of course, it is heavier than a Formula One car and has less power, but the aerodynamics are very good and you can drive through corners very fast,” said Kovalainen.

The Finn, who has raced 111 F1 races, had never before driven a DTM car and completed over 3000 kilometers together with regular BMW drivers Marco Wittmann and Bruno Spengler during the four test days.

“First of all I am grateful that BMW Motorsport offered me the opportunity to drive its car. I was really looking forward to this interesting experience. To be honest, I didn’t really know what to expect as I have never driven a car like this. But I felt really comfortable in the BMW M4 DTM from the very beginning,” said Kovalainen.

The purpose of the test was for Kovalainen to get a taste of the BMW DTM car as well as regular drivers Wittmann and Spengler to test various setup variants ahead of the coming DTM race at Lausitzring on September 14th.

“The test laps in the BMW M4 DTM went very well. I was able to complete over 500 kilometres and we had absolutely no problems with the car. Everything ran completely as it should do. I am very happy with the results of the tests. We were able to make some valuable findings – particularly with regard to the next race in a fortnight’s time, which will take place at the same circuit. We are well prepared for the eighth round of the DTM at the Lausitzring, as the season enters the finishing straight,” said championship leader Wittmann.

BMW has issued no information whether Kovalainen could be up for a DTM drive next year.

DTM Test, Eurospeedway Lausitz